Dr stopped peg and riba for 14 days

[sharonkt]

I finished the full 12 weeks of Incivik. I was undetectable at 4 and 12 weeks. Week 13 I was taking only peg and riba I broke out in a rash/skin condition similar to a chemical burn on my face, arms, back and thighs. I was running a slight fever and blood work showed drops in white/red blood cells and HGB. Dr discontinued peg and riba for one week. Following week checkup she stated do not treat for another 5 days then I am to start with peg  and two days later start riba back. I asked her repeatedly if this was ok, as it goes contrary to all I have read. I did stop because I was so miserable. Stopping for 48 hours has taken the fire and swelling out of the rash but I still itch like crazy. I can deal with that. Dr stated that she has consulted with associate and is agreement that this will not jeopardize my treatment. Please tell me what you all think.

[Advocate1955]

I've heard of people saying their doctors have had them skip a dose of Riba or reduce their Riba.  I think I've heard of one person saying their doctor decreased their interferon.  But I don't think I've heard of anyone saying their doctor had them stop both for a period of time.
Advocate1955

[sharonkt]

Thank you for this information. Greatly appreciated.

[HectorSF]

Vertex Corporate Headquarters

Patients:

If you are a patient in the U.S. and would like to speak with a nurse about INCIVEK treatment, or with a reimbursement specialist, please call
1-855-VERTEX-GPS (1-855-837-8394).

Healthcare Professionals:

If you are a healthcare professional in the U.S. and have questions about INCIVEK, please call 1-877-824-4281

Hector

[sharonkt]

Thank you so much for your prompt replies. I will contact the drug company to followup. That is a great suggestion. I agree this has been such an investment in $$ and tears. I have to succeed. I do feel stronger/less toxic now that the rash has eased up. I guess taking a break was better for me than stopping all together. So whats done is done. I will continue to move forward. I so much appreciate your kind words and advise.

[crossroadsec]

Sry bout the nasty rash. The Triaminosomething. 1%. is is great. Itching got worse after I finished Incivik too.
I fought to stay on. Cut RIBA n peg both because of hgb n platelets. I'd sure question the Dr. Not to be a downer... But you've invested a lot of time m $$ in this, not to mention all the side effects.
Like others have stated, some have SVRd despite stopping. Heck, this stuff is so powerful that you may be done! My best to you. Karen :)

[working dog]

my itching stopped 3 months post tx...you might have to get use to it..i have lots of small scars on my legs and lower back but i'm glad i stayed with tx...i stopped my riba for 10days early into tx ....anemia and rashes....my doctor had stopped riba for a week with folks before but i think i set a record at 10 days with him...and then someone here stopped for two weeks...i also had to stop again for 5 days later in tx...you do what you have to to stay on tx...i never stopped the interferon and always took my incivek on time..had to stop the incivek 5 days early...3.5 months post tx i feel really good...still some little stuff going on but no big deal...everyone is different...lots of folks can work and drive...keep an eye on that blood work...good luck....billy

[pooh55811]

You might want to ask for a prescription anti-itch med like Hydroxyzine Also, if you are not using anything on the rash, fluocinonide ointment (prescription) is very good for clearing up the rash and stoping the itch. I am using both for a bad rash that I got in December (10th week of triple med therapy). They work great. The rash is greatly improved. (I stayed on my meds the whole time.)

[can-do-man]

Not sure how they can be so certain as adherence to taking these drugs are very important.......... Best to you

[crigger]

I have heard of people stopping ribo but not peg but I am not the expert!  Call the Drug company

[Sentinel13]

Hi Sharon:

Sorry to hear you had such a bad breakout!

Maybe it wasn't the peg & riba that caused the breakout, but maybe the doctor felt your body needed a break from those toxic meds so it could focus on addressing what he/she apparently felt was the more critical issue.

Some people might say the virus is already gone with the success we are seeing with Incivek. I don't know, but if that is true, taking a break from the meds to give your body a chance to heal your skin condition may not be bad.

During treatment, there is often a tradeoff between maintaining "full-speed ahead" with the treatment and addressing emerging side effects. I'd give your doctor the benefit of the doubt and believe this was a necessary tradeoff.

Best,
Sentinel